Compression stockings during childbirth. Compression stockings for childbirth - are they needed? Are compression stockings necessary for childbirth?

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman's body is under enormous stress. The mother's circulatory system during this period becomes especially vulnerable, therefore, in the last trimester, phlebologists advise using compression underwear. Many mothers wonder why they need stockings made of knitwear with compression properties and which brands are best for women who are carrying a baby.

What are compression stockings and what are they?

During pregnancy, a woman gains weight, which can provoke the appearance of diseases of the blood vessels. Significantly increasing in size, the uterus begins to put pressure on the arteries, which contributes to the formation of congestion in the large vessels of the lower extremities.

Compression stockings are recommended for women during pregnancy and delivery to reduce the risk of damage to large and small vessels and prevent vein thrombosis. Anti-varicose stockings contribute to an even distribution of pressure over the entire surface of the legs.

For the manufacture of linen of this kind, natural and synthetic materials are used. Most stocking models are made of therapeutic knitwear with high compression characteristics.

Compression, anti-embolic, hospital - is there a difference?

Compression underwear is called knitwear, which, due to the snug fit, provides compression of the legs, supporting muscle fibers. They contribute to the elimination of edema and uniform distribution of blood flow.

These stockings are designed for pregnant women. They are recommended to be worn in the last months of bearing a baby in order to prevent the development of diseases of the vascular system. With the help of such medical underwear, the load on the legs is correctly distributed, and the abdominal area is not squeezed.

Anti-embolic, or hospital stockings are called stockings for childbirth or operations, characterized by a high level of compression near the ankle. This allows you to stimulate the outflow of blood to the heart when a woman has a natural birth or an abdominal operation (caesarean section) and the mobility of the lower extremities is limited.

The level of compression (pressure on the walls of the veins) gradually decreases from the ankles to the hips, accelerates the outflow of blood and prevents reverse flow. As a result, when using anti-embolic stockings, the risk of vein blockage is reduced, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are reduced.

Compression underwear for pregnant women

Elastic stockings during pregnancy should be worn not only when symptoms of diseases of the vascular system appear, but also for preventive purposes. When the load on the veins is evenly distributed due to the different levels of compression, their elasticity increases significantly.

As the fetus grows, the mother's blood becomes more viscous, which leads to impaired blood flow. Compression stockings help to eliminate congestion in the legs, and also improve the movement of blood through the veins, which leads to better saturation of the biological fluid with nutrients and oxygen.

Maternity stockings

Compression stockings for childbirth are needed to improve blood circulation and maintain muscle tone during the birth of the baby. The redistribution of the load in the lower extremities greatly facilitates the task for the woman in labor.

Anti-embolic stockings are advised to be worn for some time after childbirth or operative delivery in order to quickly restore health, as well as avoid varicose veins and inflammation of the venous walls. It should be remembered that the positive effect of underwear will only be if you put it on and wear it regularly for a certain period of time.

How to choose the right stockings for childbirth?

The maximum effect of compression underwear can only be obtained if the model is chosen correctly and the size corresponds to the parameters of the expectant mother. Before buying stockings for pregnant women, a woman should consult a phlebologist who will help you choose a knitwear. If the stockings are not chosen correctly, wearing them will lead to inconvenience and painful sensations.

How to determine size?

Before buying underwear, a pregnant woman needs to measure her legs. This should be done in the morning - before swelling appears. Using a measuring tape, measure:

Ankle circumference above the ankle.
The girth of the upper part of the calf under the knee.
Thigh girth in the area located 25 cm above the knee joint. If the growth of the expectant mother is more than 180 cm, this gap increases to 30 cm.
The length of the legs, equal to the distance from the hip (at the level where the measurement was made) to the foot.

According to the measurements received, the sales assistant will be able to choose a knitted product of a suitable size. For an independent choice, a pregnant woman can use the existing dimensional grids, which in most cases are presented on product packages. Some manufacturers provide numbering of sizes in numbers (from 1 to 7), but most often stocking sizes are indicated in Latin letters (S, M, L, XL, XXL, Q, Q +)

Compression degree

There are four degrees of compression, which correspond to knitted underwear for pregnant women and women in childbirth. Only a surgeon or phlebologist can determine what degree of compression a woman needs. To determine the physiological characteristics of the vascular system of the expectant mother, he will need the results of ultrasound of the veins, which can determine the location of large vessels, the speed of blood flow, the presence of constrictions and the size of the gaps in them.

Stockings with compression 1 are recommended for pregnant women, whose legs are very tired in the evening, and spider veins form on the skin. The second degree of compression will benefit women who have been diagnosed with varicose veins or thrombophlebitis.

Knitwear for expectant mothers with the third degree of compression must be worn in case of severe vascular diseases and malnutrition. Products with the highest compression class 4 will help pregnant women with pronounced lymph circulation disorders cope with painful symptoms.

Popular product brands

Compression knitwear is represented on the market by several well-known brands:

For more than 18 years, the domestic manufacturer Intex has been producing inexpensive high-quality knitwear, which is not inferior in its characteristics to foreign counterparts. Stockings for expectant mothers in the toe part have small holes for the possibility of monitoring the sensitivity and circulation of the toes.
The Medi company from Germany is a leader in the production of compression stockings for medical purposes. For the prevention of venous thrombosis in pregnant women, a series of "mediven thrombexin 18" has been developed. Hypoallergenic underwear with graduated compression of this brand can be worn after childbirth until the veins recover. The size of such products is marked on the heel in the form of a color code.
Knitwear with compression characteristics of the Sigvaris brand is made in Switzerland. Most professional doctors prefer this particular brand, as the products do not cause allergic reactions and are durable, aesthetic and maintain compression properties during the intended period of operation.

When and how to wear and how much to wear stockings?

Pregnant women should put on elastic knitwear immediately after waking up, without getting up, and take it off immediately before going to bed. Models with cutouts in the area of the fingers are easier to pull on a capron toe, after which it can be removed. The stocking pre-assembled into an accordion is more evenly distributed over the leg.

Medical products made of compression material have good wear resistance. The stockings that a woman wore during pregnancy can be taken with her to the hospital. If they are damaged during wear, it is better for childbirth to purchase new, anti-embolic ones.

For childbirth, knitted stockings are put on at the moment when the first contractions began. This is quite difficult, so it is better to seek help from relatives.

Women are also recommended to wear compression underwear after childbirth, but not for too long. If the delivery went without complications, they can not be worn after a week. To find out how much longer to wear stockings, if the condition of the veins has not improved, you need to contact a specialist.

More and more women are choosing to wear stockings when going to the hospital. And we are not talking about seductive underwear - no, these stockings are designed to prevent problems with the veins of the legs. We are talking about special compression stockings.

Compression stockings during childbirth

Compression underwear is a special medical underwear that puts pressure on the human body in order to prevent swelling and improve blood circulation in the veins. It is made from natural and synthetic fibers - cotton, capron, elastoden. Such underwear is thicker and stronger than conventional nylon products, it is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Compression stockings and tights are designed in such a way that the pressure decreases from the bottom up, that is, the blood moves more freely and more easily from the foot towards the heart. Compression knitwear can be used both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

During childbirth, the blood vessels of the female body experience severe overload. This tension is especially dangerous for the vessels of the legs, and blood clots can form in the deep veins of the lower extremities. The presence of such blood clots provokes the occurrence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, dangerous diseases with negative consequences up to death. Compression stockings are designed to reduce these risks:

pressure equally distributed over the entire surface of the legs helps to establish a uniform blood flow; constant pressure has a positive effect on the state of blood vessels;
pressure in the vessels increases, which reduces the chance of blood stasis;
compression underwear protects the vessels from possible overloads during childbirth.

The appearance of the vascular network on the legs is one of the symptoms of problems with veins and blood vessels.

Instead of special stockings, elastic bandages are sometimes used, which are wrapped around the legs from the foot to the groin - they perform a similar role. An elastic bandage is cheaper than linen, but during childbirth it can unwind, in addition, it is difficult to choose the right degree of pressure on the legs, so if there is evidence, it is better to purchase stockings.

Even small fluctuations in pressure in the vessels can cause them to weaken and show the vascular network on the legs, which not only does not look very beautiful, but also indicates the initial degree of varicose veins in the legs. To avoid this, you should not neglect the doctor's recommendations if he advises the use of compression underwear, and if he does not raise this topic, then ask yourself about measures to prevent problems with leg veins.

Video: why stockings are needed for childbirth

Does everyone need to use them?

Many women are sure that compression underwear during pregnancy and during childbirth is required only for those expectant mothers who have already been diagnosed with vein problems. In fact, phlebologists - doctors involved in venous pathologies - recommend using them, including as a preventive measure, in order to avoid varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and other vein pathologies. This is especially important if a pregnant woman has the following symptoms:

spider veins or meshes on the legs;
swelling of the lower extremities;
feeling tired or;
cramps in the calf muscles;
phlebeurysm;
chronic venous insufficiency;
thrombosis;
venous eczema and/or dermatitis.

Is it possible to wear those stockings that were worn during pregnancy

Compression underwear is divided into 4 classes depending on the pressure exerted. A specialist should choose the right class of underwear for a pregnant woman, depending on the severity of her problems with the veins. If at the time of childbirth the state of the vascular system of a woman allows the use of the same stockings that she wore during pregnancy, then they are quite allowed to be worn. But it is worth remembering that one of the main conditions for clothing used during childbirth is sterility, so the stockings must be thoroughly washed before going to the maternity hospital.

Compression knitwear should be washed carefully and carefully, using gentle washing powders and be sure to thoroughly rinse the linen in clean water. It is not recommended to twist or wring out the laundry, as this can spoil the fine structure of the fibers, it is better to dry them in a straightened form on a horizontal surface.

Are stockings necessary for a caesarean section?

If the need for stockings during natural childbirth is quite transparent, then the question of the need for underwear during a cesarean section confuses many. The reason why compression stockings are also important with this method of delivery is that a caesarean section is an abdominal operation, and during it the vessels experience additional stress. When performing such an operation, the veins expand, and the woman is in a horizontal motionless state for a long time, which can provoke the onset of thromboembolism. In addition, a pregnant woman is given anesthesia, the components of which can adversely affect the entire cardiovascular system of her body.

Types, classes and sizes of compression underwear

Compression knitwear for the lower extremities is of 3 types:

knee socks - reach only the middle of the thigh, are used only during pregnancy and only in cases where problems with veins and blood vessels do not affect the upper part of the legs; when wearing them, pressure on the hip area increases;
tights - undesirable for use during long periods of pregnancy, as they put pressure on the abdomen; in addition, for obvious reasons, they cannot be used in childbirth;
stockings are the best option for compression underwear, they evenly distribute the load from the feet to the groin, protecting the vessels along the entire length of the legs.

Photo gallery: types of compression underwear for legs

Golfs are allowed to be worn only if there are no problems with the veins in the thigh area. Tights are not recommended for wearing for a long time, as they put pressure on the stomach
Stockings are considered the best option, as they evenly distribute pressure along the entire length of the legs.

Medical underwear is divided into 4 compression classes, depending on how much pressure it exerts on the legs:

1st class - compression does not exceed 23 millimeters of mercury; recommended in the early stages of venous disease, characterized by a tendency to edema, spider veins, leg fatigue; can be used as a prophylactic against varicose veins during pregnancy;
Grade 2 - pressure is in the range of 24-33 mm; used in the initial stage of varicose veins in pregnant women, for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis of the legs, with acute thrombophlebitis;
Grade 3 - compression does not exceed 45 mm Hg; it is used for moderate and severe degrees of damage to blood vessels and veins, for varicose veins complicated by trophic disorders, for deep vein thrombosis and lymphovenous insufficiency;
class 4 - pressure above 50 mm; It is recommended to wear with congenital anomalies of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, with severe violations of the lymph flow.

Special stockings for childbirth are allocated in a separate class. The compression in them is distributed evenly along the entire length of the product. Their other distinguishing feature is an open toe, which allows the obstetrician to determine the correctness of blood circulation during childbirth by the type of fingers. It is advisable to wear them for childbirth, but if it is not possible to purchase stockings of this class, then medical stockings can be used, after consulting with a phlebologist.

To determine the right size of compression underwear, you need to take a number of measurements, since an accurately selected size is important for the correct distribution of pressure - stockings that are too small will overtighten the leg, and large ones will not create the necessary compression. The following measurements must be taken:

girth of the lower leg in the narrowest place, near the ankle;
calf girth at the widest point of the calf;
thigh girth at a height of 25–30 cm above the knee;
for golf - leg length from heel to knee;
for stockings - leg length from heel to groin;
for tights - the circumference of the waist and hips.

Video: how to take measurements for compression stockings

Compression garments must be carefully sized, so all measurements must be taken carefully and with the correct body position.

Each type of compression underwear has its own size chart. Here is a table of sizes for stockings - the most common medical knitwear that is used during childbirth.

Table: compression stocking sizes

Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle, cm	Calf circumference under the kneecap, cm	Girth of the upper third of the thigh, cm
XS	17 – 19	26 – 36	40 – 50
S	20 – 22	30 – 42	48 – 60
SX	20 - 22	30 – 42	56 – 70
M	23 – 25	34 – 46	56 – 70
MX	23 - 25	34 – 46	64 – 80
L	26 – 28	38 – 51	64 – 80
LX	26 – 28	38 – 51	72 - 90
XL	29 – 31	42 - 55	72 - 90
XLX	29 - 31	42 - 55	80 - 100

Video: how to choose compression underwear

Terms of use and care

Compression knitwear requires careful and careful care, as careless handling can damage its structure, stretch elastic fibers and destroy its healing properties.

Since medical underwear must be worn every day, it quickly gets dirty and needs to be washed daily. It is important to follow the washing rules so as not to spoil it:

do not use too high water temperature;
it is necessary to protect the linen from strong deformations - friction and spin;
Before washing, remove any jewelry from your hands, as they can damage the fabric.

You should choose special products for delicate washing:

liquid soap;
powder or gel for baby clothes;
powder or gel for delicate fabrics, chlorine-free.

It is undesirable to use:

washing powder - undissolved grains of powder can get between the threads of knitwear and disrupt its structure;
laundry soap - fatty acids in its composition aggressively affect knitwear.

Photo gallery: detergents for washing compression underwear

Detergents for washing delicate fabrics do not contain chlorine and aggressive substances
Detergents for washing baby clothes act carefully, but gently
A special detergent for washing compression underwear is designed taking into account all its features.

dilute detergent in warm water;
soak clothes for 10-15 minutes;
gently wash it without applying too much pressure and/or friction;
rinse in clean water 2-3 times;
do not use bleach, rinses, fabric softeners and other additives.

When machine washing, if it is allowed for a particular piece of laundry, you should set the “hand wash” or “delicate wash” mode. In this mode, the water does not heat up above the allowed temperature. Spinning in this case must be turned off, since when spinning, even at low speeds, the structure of medical knitwear is disturbed. It is also not recommended to wash compression garments together with other clothing.

Dry stockings in a well-ventilated area, away from heaters and direct sunlight. For drying, they need to be laid out on a horizontal surface on a fabric that absorbs moisture well. Hanging clothes to dry is prohibited.
When washing therapeutic knitwear, the chemical and physical impact on it should be minimal.

Good compression stockings are not cheap, so women are often worried about whether they can be bought from their hands or taken from friends. It is important to remember that the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of underwear depends on its condition, precisely selected size and compression class. If the last two points are quite easy to follow, because they are indicated on the packaging, then making sure that the knitwear was looked after in compliance with all the rules is already more difficult. Compression stockings are a rather capricious thing and easily become unusable, which is difficult to judge by their appearance. Therefore, it is worth buying or taking used stockings by someone only if you are firmly convinced that they have been carefully looked after. The period of wearing knitwear by the previous owner also matters, because the stockings of some companies lose their compression properties after a few months of use.

When can I take pictures after giving birth?

The length of time you need to wear compression stockings after childbirth depends on two factors:

method of delivery;
condition of the veins of a woman before and after childbirth.

If the child was born in a natural way, and if the young mother does not have varicose veins, increased blood clotting and cardiovascular problems, then it is enough to wear stockings for 3-7 days.

After a caesarean section, this period increases and is 2-3 weeks, while the first day they are worn without removing them. This is because even after the end of the operation, the components of anesthesia remain in the blood of the woman in labor, which have a vasodilating effect.

If a woman has been diagnosed with problems with veins, then the time of wearing stockings after childbirth increases. The exact period during which it is desirable to wear stockings during the day (since it is advisable to take them off at night) should be told by a phlebologist observing the patient.

Comparative characteristics of compression stockings after childbirth from different companies

In the compression underwear market, you can find products for almost every taste, color and wallet thickness. It is quite easy to get confused in the choice of companies, therefore, for a visual comparison, we present a table comparing the stockings of the most famous manufacturers of medical knitwear.

Table: comparison of compression stockings from different companies

Name	A country	Distinctive features	average price
USA	Have an attractive appearance	1300 r
Relaxan	Italy	The fragility of products - usually stockings lose their properties after about a month	1000–1500 r
Ortho	Spain	Low wear resistance. Variety of colors and designs.	1500–2000 r
Copper	Germany	Due to the increased density of knitwear, stockings are difficult to put on.	3000 r
Russia	Variety of colors. Good quality/price ratio	800–1300 r
Switzerland	High-quality underwear, thought out to the smallest detail - special summer knitwear, perforation, reinforced heel	4000–5000 r

Photo gallery: compression stockings from various companies

The Swiss company Sigvaris is considered one of the best in the production of compression hosiery Intex underwear is produced in Russia, therefore it is cheaper than its foreign counterparts, not inferior to them in quality Underwear from the American company Venotex is attractive both in its design and in its healing properties

Getting ready for the maternity hospital is an important and exciting moment for every expectant mother. And if everything is very clear with the documents - their list can be found on the website of any maternity hospital, then it is not so easy to figure out the underwear that a mother needs during her stay in the maternity hospital. What items should a maternity hospital bag contain so that the mother feels comfortable and confident in the first days after childbirth?

How to choose a nursing bra: material and size

The first thing that a future mother needs to purchase on the eve of childbirth is this. This is exactly the thing that will be difficult to pick up and bring to the hospital for relatives.

Literally after two or three days, a woman begins to produce milk, and her breasts can increase significantly in volume. In order to avoid the appearance of stretch marks, prevent clothes from getting wet, and most importantly, for the convenience of feeding the baby, you will need a special nursing bra. Unlike the usual, this bra has detachable cups. And here a reasonable question arises: how to choose the right bra if it is not known how much the breasts will increase after childbirth?

“Indeed, this is one of the most common questions on women's forums,” says Lyudmila Vladimirovna Egorova, deputy director of the Fast company. - It is better to buy a nursing bra at the end of pregnancy - not earlier than 7-8 months, when the breasts are almost ready to produce milk and approach their maximum volumes. If you decide to opt for a bra with a rigid molded cup (made from a single piece and following the natural shape of the breast), such a bra should be taken one size larger than at the time of fitting. Please note that no underbust volume is required! For example, if the expectant mother at the 8th month of pregnancy has a bra size of 75C, then it is better to take 75D to the maternity hospital. But in a bra with a soft cup, which contains elastane, the fabric itself can adapt to the increased volume of the breast. This bra is no longer needed to take on the size.

What else you need to pay attention to when choosing underwear for feeding?

- A nursing bra should not have hard underwires that cause pain and discomfort, so it is better to choose a bra with special soft underwires, or without them at all, for example, a seamless cotton top. It is very comfortable to sleep and feed the baby in it day and night, - adds Lyudmila Vladimirovna. - Remember, using postpartum underwear at night will help keep your breasts in shape!

When choosing a nursing bra, be sure to pay attention to its material. The high content of cotton in the composition allows the linen to breathe and does not cause allergic reactions. But the material must be not only breathable, but also elastic in order to adapt to the daily fluctuations of milk. Such a material is modern microfiber, which is widely used today for the production of postpartum underwear.

Postpartum bandage: how to wear and when to wear

Another important acquisition on the eve of childbirth - postpartum bandage. In the case of natural childbirth, the postpartum bandage is used more for cosmetic purposes. It will provide excellent support for the stomach, help restore muscle and skin tone, improve the silhouette in the hips and buttocks, and generally facilitate the recovery period for mom.

“It is better to put on a bandage after natural childbirth at the end of the first or on the second day, so that the functions of the abdominal organs have time to normalize,” explains the rehabilitation doctor, candidate of medical sciences Sergei Konstantinovich Zazulin. - It must be worn only in an upright position; during meals, at night and during daytime sleep, it is better to remove the bandage. And I would not recommend using it for more than a month and a half, so that the muscles of the abdominal wall do not weaken.

The bandage used after performs healing functions: it reduces swelling and inflammation in the wound area and relieves pain. Such a bandage must be put on already on the first day after the operation, so that the woman can become more active. You need to wear a postoperative bandage around the clock, without removing it at night, but not more than 10-14 days, until the wound heals. Then you can switch to using a regular postpartum bandage.

There are several types of postpartum, the choice of a particular model is a matter of taste and specific preferences.

For example, a bandage belt in the form of an elastic band, thanks to its simple design, is easy to remove and put on. In addition, you can adjust the degree of tightening with the help of Velcro fasteners. When choosing a bandage, pay attention to its height: too high a belt can interfere with the chest!

Bandage pants - a more traditional version - has a high waist and elastic support inserts in the abdomen, hips and lower back. It is convenient to wear it under trousers, it will not slip during the day, unlike a belt. But such a bandage will have to be washed regularly, which will not allow you to wear it all the time.

To save money, you can choose a universal bandage, which has two sides: narrow - for wearing during pregnancy - and wide - after childbirth.

Panties postpartum

When going to the hospital, do not forget to buy a package of special disposable x birth panties from elastic mesh. Sterile and comfortable in a maternity hospital environment, they will perfectly support a medical pad, allow the skin to breathe and provide complete comfort in the postpartum period.

Today, the expectant mother can purchase special sterile underwear for the maternity hospital in a store or pharmacy, for example, a shirt and a dressing gown for a woman in labor, which can also be worn at home after discharge. Such products do not need to be pre-washed, they do not contain detergent residues and do not cause an allergic reaction.

Stockings for childbirth

Doctors strongly advise expectant mothers to wear compression stockings during pregnancy. During this period, the woman's body, including the vessels of the legs, experiences an increased load. Due to the obstructed outflow of blood, the legs can swell, get tired and hurt. Often there are night cramps and spider veins, varicose veins. To avoid these and other problems during pregnancy, you should use compression stockings or pantyhose.

- Before going to the maternity hospital, you need to purchase special stockings for childbirth(the so-called hospital jersey), - says Sergei Konstantinovich. “They reduce the chance of developing venous thrombosis during and after childbirth. It must be remembered that the therapeutic effect of compression products is achieved only with constant wear throughout the day: from the moment you get out of bed to go to bed. Hospital knitwear is put on in the morning without getting out of bed (in a horizontal position), and is worn before, during and after childbirth.

Many women know that compression stockings are indicated for surgical interventions, childbirth, long stays in the hospital, bed rest, and, in principle, for any physical exertion. Well, childbirth is, on average, a 10-hour marathon with an increased level of stress and stress on the woman's body. Therefore, any form of their relief is a serious and to the point conversation!

In our country, the recommendation of obstetrician-gynecologists that women in labor have compression stockings is still an innovation, but justified and certainly very useful. After all, prevention is not an empty phrase, but a real struggle with a problem that every woman faces in one way or another. The fight against varicose veins is a difficult and methodical thing, it is difficult to make bets and forecasts in it, but experts assure that the constant wearing of stockings during pregnancy, during childbirth and for some time after, exactly increases the chances that your legs will remain beautiful and healthy.

We trust specialists, but most of all - our own. Therefore, they asked young mothers to ask their questions, and Diana Mardas, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the 5th City Clinical Hospital, answered them and explained in simple terms how to put on stockings and where to use them, and Tonus Elast, a brand of compression underwear, to suggest a few "life hacks".

Obstetrician-gynecologist, project manager "MamaPro"

The attending physician advised stockings with a certain compression class. What is a stocking compression class anyway? How to choose stockings for childbirth, and how - for preventive purposes?

– As a rule, compression classes 1 and 2 are used in childbirth. The compression class is the degree of pressure that the stocking exerts on soft tissues and blood vessels. If a woman did not experience any discomfort before childbirth and she did not have any prerequisites for varicose veins, no appropriate diagnoses were made earlier, spider veins did not appear during pregnancy, then the first compression class is sufficient for the period of pregnancy and childbirth. If there is a diagnosis of "varicose veins", there is chronic venous insufficiency, then it is worth starting from the second class of compression.

The first compression class can be selected independently with the help of competent recommendations of specialists in specialized medical equipment salons (for example, Medprostor, MedMagazin, Care and Health, etc.) and in some pharmacies. Also, an obstetrician-gynecologist can help with the choice of stockings for childbirth. But starting from the second level of compression and if there is evidence, a phlebologist can give competent information, who will individually determine the product that is right for you.

"Lifehack" from Tonus Elast:

Be sure to pay attention to the inscription on the package. There should be the following information: compression class and pressure in millimeters of mercury. If there is no such information, then most likely you do not have a medical device in front of you, so you should not expect a therapeutic and prophylactic effect.
The concept of den has nothing to do with the compression class, and such marks on the stockings indicate the density of the knitwear, and also that the stockings do not have the correct compression properties.

If a woman wore compression underwear during pregnancy, is it also suitable for childbirth? Or do you need stockings with other characteristics/sizes?

- It is not prohibited. But there is a special type of hospital stockings. These stockings have been developed for those who are about to undergo surgery and childbirth, as well as for those who have to lie down for a long time or simply need to wear stockings for a long time. Indeed, in such situations, the risk of formation and separation of a blood clot increases many times! They differ both in their functional properties and in color. The hospital stockings have a special knitting that allows you to keep the compression for 3-5 days without removing it. They are white so that you can quickly determine the color of the discharge, since in the case of black or beige stockings, the nature of the discharge may be distorted. There is also a special hole on the foot, which allows you to control the peripheral circulation and gives access to the treatment of fingers without removing the stockings.

Here I want to note the following: during pregnancy and during childbirth, we look at compression stockings a little differently. During pregnancy, there is indeed a load on the venous system, it is difficult for blood to rise up through the veins to the heart, because the pregnant uterus compresses the vessels and prevents the blood flow system from working from the bottom up. Therefore, by putting on compression stockings during pregnancy, we support the vascular wall and help it lift blood up. At the same time, the vascular wall itself is less stressed, remains more integral, and the woman's risk of developing varicose veins in the future is reduced. In childbirth, add to the difficult outflow of blood upwards and the changed blood composition for a long time in a horizontal position.

After childbirth, it is not recommended to get up for 5-6 hours; during childbirth, the risk of thromboembolism, the formation of blood clots and the fact that they can move around the body, throw and clog vital vessels increases significantly. It is very dangerous! It is due to the fact that the blood stagnates in the lower parts of the leg, foot, it thickens, clots can form. They can spread later, for example, when a woman gets up too early and starts walking after giving birth. Therefore, in the first hours after childbirth, stockings are even more important. In no case does the birth of a child mean the removal of stockings right there! This is one of the typical mistakes: many mothers believe that stockings are needed only for childbirth. No: before childbirth, at childbirth and after them!

"Lifehack" from Tonus Elast: having perfect legs now, for nine months of hard efforts, the walls of blood vessels get so tired and injured that later, even six months or a year after childbirth, problems with varicose veins may appear. A woman may not even associate this with pregnancy, although the connection is direct. That is why you should continue to wear compression stockings for 4-6 months after giving birth.

The doctor warned that stockings should not be removed immediately after childbirth. So how long after giving birth to stay in stockings?

- The instructions say - for the entire period of reduced activity. But here the question of hygiene of a woman who has just given birth becomes logical. Therefore, my recommendation is as follows: 5-6 hours after giving birth, we are sure to be in stockings, then we remove them, having already walked vertically for some time, and not immediately (preferably within an hour). Thus, we are waiting for a dangerous moment when a blood clot can begin to rise through the vascular system. In part, stockings do their work for the vessels.

I emphasize that the period of changing the position of the body from horizontal to vertical is the most dangerous in terms of thromboembolism. In addition, the blood after childbirth is thicker for physiological reasons (the woman sweated and did not drink liquid for a long time), which is also a risk factor. When it comes to caesarean section, a woman, of course, needs to be in compression stockings. The risk of thromboembolism during cesarean section increases even more due to many factors, including the fact that a woman lies for a long time without changing her body position.

"Lifehack" from the doctor: as mentioned above, stay upright for an hour and then, for hygienic purposes, you can remove the stockings and, if any, immediately put on a second pair. If not, tidy up your stockings and put them on the next morning before getting out of bed.

Is it difficult to put on stockings? If a woman wants to take a shower during contractions, is it possible not to take off her stockings for this time?

- Yes, indeed, it is difficult for a pregnant woman to put on stockings. What to do? Call the medical staff or partner in childbirth if the birth is partnered. How to be with a shower and water procedures in childbirth? It is important to understand why water procedures are needed in childbirth. For anesthesia. It can be a bidet, a shower. Difficulties can arise only with a shower. In this case, there is no ideal solution, you will have to choose: either compression stockings or a shower. The third option is wet compression stockings after a shower, which is extremely uncomfortable. A large percentage of births take place under spinal anesthesia - these women are unlikely to need a shower. In the process of preparing for childbirth, I recommend learning how to breathe correctly, do self-massage, teach a partner to control the breathing of a woman in labor.

"Lifehack" from the doctor: when choosing compression stockings, women should give preference to other methods of anesthesia: breathing, massage, other water procedures (bidet allows you to take the correct sitting position during childbirth and comfortably contact with water).

To summarize: during the bearing of a baby, body weight grows, the amount of blood increases and blood flow increases, the hormonal background changes. The rainbow period in the life of a future mother, unfortunately, is often overshadowed by ailments. And, if everyone has already heard about toxicosis and the prevention of stretch marks, then a woman often encounters varicose veins for the first time precisely during pregnancy, before that she was unaware of a genetic predisposition. But one can hope not only for genes, but also to engage in comfortable prevention, because pregnancy, no matter how strange it may sound, is a favorable time for the development of pathology. Therefore, Tonus Elast compression stockings, stockings and pantyhose are well-known favorites for pregnant women already because they relieve fatigue and swelling of the legs, provide maximum comfort, prevent the manifestations of varicose veins and look like ordinary beautiful tights or stockings.

Take care of yourself and your feet!

Adding extra pounds during pregnancy can lead to thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend using special compression stockings for childbirth. Medical underwear will help eliminate swelling, reduce the risk of thrombosis and improve the condition of blood vessels.

What are they needed for

During the birth process, the body experiences a powerful load, pressure on the lower limbs and pelvic organs also increases.

Compression stockings can help prevent blood clots during and after pregnancy

As a result of this, inflammation can begin in the internal venous walls, accompanied by the appearance of blood clots - this is how thrombophlebitis develops. This disease has very serious consequences and often ends in death.

To prevent this, you should wear compression underwear not only before childbirth, but also after them - it will help distribute pressure in the hips and calf muscles evenly, and also prevent blood clots. Thanks to this, blood circulation in the body will improve, and the risks of vascular stasis will be minimized. If a woman in labor already has a predisposition to varicose veins, medical underwear should be worn after childbirth for two weeks to prevent the development of vascular diseases.

Compression during caesarean section is also necessary - since this operation is abdominal, during it there is a strong load on the hematopoietic vessels, which can lead to disturbances in the circulatory system and the occurrence of blood clots. With this type of delivery, the situation is aggravated by a long stay in one position and the use of epidural anesthesia, which negatively affects the hematopoietic vessels. The drug is in the body for several more days after childbirth - that's why you should wear compression underwear not only during the operation, but also after it. It is contraindicated for new mothers to take a vertical position for 2 days, in order to maintain compression support and improve the condition of the legs, stockings can be removed only 3-5 days after childbirth.

Important! It is very difficult to put on compression stockings during contractions, so it is recommended to put them on at home. Since a large tummy can greatly interfere with putting on underwear, it is advisable to ask a loved one or a nurse for help.

Putting on stockings on your own in the last months can be difficult and may require assistance

Main advantages

Compression stockings for childbirth are necessary for all women in labor, without exception, because they allow:

Improve the supply of all tissues with useful elements and oxygen.
Prevent varicose veins and blood clots.
Accelerate the outflow of blood in the veins and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Relieve fatigue and reduce pain in the legs.
Establish uniform blood flow in all parts of the lower extremities.
Prevent stretching and risks of rupture of the walls of blood vessels in the legs.
Prevent severe overload of the body and avoid further complications.

Compression stockings during childbirth will help to avoid many health problems.

List of indications

Compression stockings are necessary when traveling to the hospital if a woman has:

Swelling of the lower extremities.
Seizures.
Fatigue, heaviness and pain in the legs.
The appearance of spider veins and a characteristic cobweb.
Chronic venous insufficiency or thrombophlebitis.

Types of compression stockings

Before choosing compression stockings, a woman should be examined by a phlebologist. The doctor will take an anamnesis, conduct a complete examination and tell you what degree of compression is best for the woman in labor.

There are 4 grades of compression stockings:

Therapeutic jersey 0 and 1 degree (18-22 mm Hg) is prescribed for the prevention of varicose veins when there are no serious problems with the vessels. Indications can be spider veins and meshes, as well as heaviness and fatigue of the lower extremities. Often this phenomenon is observed with a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged work on the legs.
Grade 2 compression (up to 32 mm Hg) is recommended for venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. The reason for wearing knitwear may be damage to the lower extremities during the period of bearing a child.
Stockings of the 3rd degree (33-46 mm Hg) are needed for women suffering from trophic disorders, congenital anomalies of the hematopoietic vascular system, an exacerbated form of thrombophlebitis, as well as for primary and secondary lymphostasis.
Medical linen of the 4th degree (49 mm Hg) should be chosen for severe lymphostasis and post-thrombotic syndrome.

There are special stockings for childbirth, which have an extensible insert, due to which there is no pressure on the stomach. The toe of such underwear is open - this allows the doctor to monitor blood circulation during labor by looking at the toes.

In case of serious anomalies of the venous system during the bearing of the baby or after a difficult course of childbirth, the doctor may advise anti-embolic stockings, which should be worn without removing (even during the shower) for several days.

How to choose stockings

To choose the right compression stockings for childbirth, you should consider the following general recommendations:

Important! Usually, compression stockings are removed 3-5 days after childbirth, and the doctor may also suggest changing underwear to a lower class. If a woman has been in a horizontal position for too long, a higher degree of therapeutic stockings may be needed.

Popular brands

The condition and health of the woman in labor depends on what stockings and what quality will be purchased, so you should not save on such things.

How to properly put on compression stockings

The most common brands at the moment:

MEDI, production - Germany. They are one of the highest quality stockings. They are convenient, comfortable, easy to care for and use, very durable. The initial price of linen is from 1300 rubles.
Venoteks, USA. The degree of wear resistance is average, but there are a lot of models. All products are certified. Knitted underwear for prevention costs about 700 rubles, 3rd degree of compression - from 1600 rubles.
ORTO, Spain. Compression underwear of the middle price category. The cost varies from 950 to 2500 rubles. The shelf life of knitwear is 4 months, but stockings can quickly wear out on the toes and feet.
Intex, Russian Federation. Excellent value for money and quality. Products are made of wear-resistant fabrics, the average cost of linen is from 1200 to 3500 rubles.
Sigvaris, Switzerland. The most durable and high-quality stockings with an excellent design - for such positive characteristics, the buyer will have to pay 2500-5000 rubles.
Relaxsan, Italy. Medical underwear from this manufacturer has the most affordable price - from 1000 to 1200 rubles, however, customer reviews have shown that consumers experience inconvenience when using knitwear, moreover, such stockings wear out quickly.

Summing up

Compression stockings are an excellent way to prevent thrombophlebitis and varicose veins in the legs. Underwear helps to distribute the load on the hips and calf muscles evenly, which helps to improve blood circulation and supply tissues with oxygen and necessary elements. It is advisable to purchase products in orthopedic stores or pharmacies - experts will select suitable stockings and give recommendations on how to use and care for them.

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